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Norwich boss Chris Hughton has every confidence a fully-fit Rickie van Wolfswinkel can fire City to safety.

Last Updated: 24/11/13 3:15pm

Rickie van Wolfswinkel: Backed by Hughton

The Holland forward, 24, is still sidelined by a toe injury which has hampered his Canaries career since he arrived in a big-money £8.5m move from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.

Van Wolfswinkel has managed just one goal from eight appearances - a header on his debut against Everton on the opening day of the new campaign - and the Norfolk club have been struggling to score in their third season back in the top flight since.

"It is a small muscular problem in his toe and the difficulty we have had is it is one of those which has taken a little bit longer to heal," said Hughton, who revealed goalkeeper Mark Bunn was set for a spell on the sidelines after a minor ankle operation.

"The very good news is it is not a serious injury, but he needs a bit of time to rest it, probably for a maximum of two weeks, and make sure he is 100 per cent, and he will be.

"We brought a few players in during the summer and some adapt quicker than others.

"When you have signed someone as a record signing, there is always that hype and expectation that comes with it.

"Some hit the ground running and the goals go flying in, others the contribution is good and it takes a bit longer.

"One thing I cannot fault Ricky on is what he has given the team in his work ethic, what he has not got is the goals he would have liked, but his contribution to the team has been very good.

"Sometimes that happens - if you look at the Premier League, there are also some other big name strikers who have come in and have not got the goals they would have liked either.

"Rickie is a confident lad and that comes from someone who is used to scoring goals.

"He took a little time to settle in when he moved to Portugal, so I have no worries about him."